BajaNomad

First Time In Baja

Luna_tik - 2-23-2018 at 12:18 PM

Setting out in a couple weeks, but I've been planning for months. Think I've got a pretty good idea of what to prepare for, but it seems smart to run it by the pros first to see what I missed...

Route: Driving my campervan in at Los Algodones, then over to Mexico 5. Figure I'll follow that down to where it intersects with Mexico 1, then follow that back up and out through Tijuana. That's probably enough for a newbie gringo traveling alone, hopefully I'll get down to Baja California Sur on the next trip.

Destinations: Playa Hawaii, Puerticitos Hot Springs (thanks to this forum for putting that on my radar!), Catavina (to find hiking and climb on some rocks), Camalu, Bahia San Luis Gonzaga, Ensenada, El Rosario, La Lobera (sea lion sanctuary!). Wondering if I should also make the slight detour to check out Guadalupe. Are there other destinations on this route not to be missed?

Preparedness: I'm aware that I need to carry extra everything; tire, gas, water, etc., and not drive at night. Also not planning to chance it with any off-roading since I'll be solo. Got all my usual camping/survival gear. I've been told it's a good idea to carry a spare "fake" wallet just in case, and not to drink the tap water. Hablo un poco Espanol, pero no muy bueno. I've also been advised to purchase Mexican auto insurance. Are the websites where you can buy it ahead of time legit? What else am I forgetting?

The main things I think I could use more info on at this point are:

Campsites: Mostly interested in good nature spots to park over actual campgrounds, though I'll be visiting a few of those too. More difficult to find wild campsites than kept grounds online, can anyone recommend some good ones along the route? Are the Mexican Authorities generally ok with car camping on public land or no?

Bathrooms: How hard are these to find? I've heard mixed stories. I assume while on the road I can un-fill myself while filling the gas tank, but are there rest stops on long stretches of highway? Camping sounds like it's provided potties with paid campgrounds, otherwise that's what the shovel is for. Please LMK if I'm wrong.

Toll Booths: Are there a lot of them on this route? Wondering how much I should budget for that.

Military Checkpoints: Still not entirely sure what I'm in for here. I understand that they're mostly looking for drugs or guns (not a problem, won't be carrying either), and that they may or may not speak English. What Spanish do I need to know to communicate with them? What is the standard procedure like?

I'll also keep reading other threads on here up until I hit the road. This place is a valuable source of information, and I appreciate any ideas/advice anyone would be willing to share to help fill the holes in my prep. Thanks, all!

tobias - 2-23-2018 at 12:24 PM

If you have time , you should pop down to at least mulege before heading back up.

TMW - 2-23-2018 at 12:33 PM

Have fun is number one.

There are campsites or just drive way off the road and camp almost anywhere. Best to be far away from any road or highway so as not to be seen. A really good book on camping in Baja is "Camping Mexico's Baja" by Mike and Terri Church.

Bathrooms are at all the PEMEX stations. The toll roads have them as well. You can always pull off the road for a "pit stop" as they are called.

The toll roads are from TJ to Ensenada (1D) and from TJ to Mexicali (2D).

The Military check points are for guns and drugs. They do speak more English than they let onto. They usually want to know where you came from and where are you going usually meaning what city. I just give them the last large town I was at and the next big town I'm going to, such as I'm from Mexicali and going to San Felipe. They may ask you to get out of the vehicle so they can inspect it. Don't leave anything of value in sight of where they are looking. They may be honest but not always.

Normal Spanish words are great to use and saying gracias often with a smile is appreciated. Bring a Spanish to English and English to Spanish dictionary or similar book with you to help.

Read David K's trip reports from last year for places to see and go, I think he did 7 of them. A lot of good up to date info.


[Edited on 2-23-2018 by TMW]

John Harper - 2-23-2018 at 12:45 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Luna_tik  
Preparedness: I'm aware that I need to carry extra everything; tire, gas, water, etc., and not drive at night. Also not planning to chance it with any off-roading since I'll be solo. Got all my usual camping/survival gear. I've been told it's a good idea to carry a spare "fake" wallet just in case, and not to drink the tap water. Hablo un poco Espanol, pero no muy bueno. I've also been advised to purchase Mexican auto insurance. Are the websites where you can buy it ahead of time legit? What else am I forgetting?


Tire repair kit, quality inflator, jumper cables, transfer pump for liquids, good shovel, toolkit. Some of the paved roads are far worse than the dirt roads.

Probably cheaper to just get annual Mex insurance. There are lots of online sources.

John



[Edited on 2-23-2018 by John Harper]

Luna_tik - 2-23-2018 at 01:14 PM

Great advice, TMW, thanks for sharing! I will look for David K's trip reports.

John, I've already got most of those things. What is the transfer pump for? Are the online insurance sources legit then?

John Harper - 2-23-2018 at 01:40 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Luna_tik  
John, I've already got most of those things. What is the transfer pump for? Are the online insurance sources legit then?


Easier than using a siphon if you need it. Only about $7 at Harbor Freight. They come in real handy for all kinds of things.

Have not had a claim, but I certainly hope so. I use Lewis and Lewis, but Bajabound is a sponsor here I believe.

John

DanO - 2-23-2018 at 01:43 PM

Lewis & Lewis are legit and have short term as well as annual policies.

https://www.mexicanautoinsurance.com/

Maderita - 2-23-2018 at 02:00 PM

For insurance, I go through BajaBound
https://www.bajabound.com/
They have a reputation for helpfulness and answering questions.
Afaik, Discover Baja and Sanborn's are good too.
http://www.discoverbaja.com/mexican-auto-insurance/
https://www.sanborns.com/

How many days/weeks do you have?
Sounds like you are looking for some adventure, hiking and scrambling rocks (or bouldering with climbing shoes and chalkbag?)
Somewhat out of your way, 50 miles from Mexicali, is a beautiful palm canyon with camping, hot springs, stream coming down from the mountains, hiking and lots lots of granite boulders. Worth the side trip. 30 miles of dirt road, frequently traveled, 2WD. The right time of year through April for this desert destination.
http://guadalupecanyonoasis.com/index.html

The drive from Mexicali to San Felipe is boring flat desert. A longer alternative with opportunities for adventure is to drive back north after Guadalupe Canyon to Hwy 2. Drive west up the grade to La Rumorosa on the Sierra de Juarez plateau. Then drive south on dirt roads through pinyon pine forest toward the Parque Nacional at Laguna Hanson. Side trip to Canyon el Tajo for hiking, bouldering, wilderness camping below 300' granite domes. Rancho el Topo turnoff at KM35.5 to visit a working cattle ranch among the big pine trees, elevation 5,000', camping, horseback riding at very reasonable rates.
14 miles further south is Laguna Hanson a small mountain lake surrounded by pines and granite boulders/crags. Gets a bit busy with weekend campers, probably quiet mid-week. Continue south on dirt roads to intersect with Hwy 3 east of Ojos Negros. Drive southeast on Hwy 3 toward Hwy 5 and San Felipe.

So much to do, no matter how many days/weeks you have, it's likely that you will be planning your next trip before you return home!

Ditto on John Harper's equipment list. Add: a tarp/sunshade, either sturdy pop-up type or attach to the side of the van.

bajaric - 2-23-2018 at 02:01 PM

Passport. Pemex have bathrooms. For a first trip paid camping areas can be a good option --

PaulW - 2-23-2018 at 02:14 PM

Luna,
You mentioned Playa Hawaii, Now days it is called "Pete's Camp, El Parisio". Most of the old maps and nearly all the device maps have it wrong.
Signs on the highway will guide you. Good camping on the beach if it is not a holiday or race weekend when it fills up. Hwy 5 Km 177.7

David K - 2-23-2018 at 02:57 PM

Hi Luna-tik,
Welcome to Nomad!

Everything seems to work out in Baja so try not to stress.

My first time driving myself was when I was 16, in 1974 and haven't stopped since! I have never been robbed or hassled (much). Camping is my main thing but there are a few choice motels for clean up or when it isn't convenient to set up a tent.

As TMW posted, I did 7 trips in 2017 to try and cover as much of Baja's best for a new Guide. The trip reports are in the Nomad Trip Reports forum and numbered TRIP # 1-7, plus a family camping trip to Shell Island on Memorial Day. Shell Island is a beautiful barrier island beach, but requires 4WD (and low tide) to get to!

My 2018 maps of Baja (for the future guide) are posted in the Nomad Road Conditions forum. They are designed to illustrate places and roads mentioned in the guide.

That all being said, you are getting good advice here. It does sound like you have been working on a route. Here are my comments on the first couple places you mentioned, for what that's worth:

Playa Hawaii. I think is an old name and is now Los Compadres?

The campos that are primarily for camping, north of San Felipe, are mentioned in my guide (along with gas stations, a restaurant, and motels:

Km. 171.5 Villas Cortez, 2.4 miles. Camping, pool, and palapas. No vehicle parking near the palapas.

Km. 173.5 Playa Grande, 1.9 miles. Palapa camping.

Km. 177.5 Pete’s Camp El Paraiso, 1 mile to the restaurant and 1.1 miles to the beach with palapa camping. http://petescamp.com/

Km. 178.5+ Pemex gas station, west side.

Km. 179 Playa del Oro, a private home development. The Road Runner Restaurant and Deli is at the entrance, excellent food.

Km. 180+ Campo Los Compadres, 0.9 mile. Palapa camping. https://www.facebook.com/Campo-los-Compadres-136752236414823...

Km. 181 Colonia Morelia road (signed 60 kms.). New paved surface ends soon on this road west to Valle Chico and Diablo Dry Lake.

Km. 181.5+ Pai Pai Campo, 0.9 mile. Beach and camping, no palapas or services.

Km. 182 Hotel Sky Blue on the west side of the highway.

Km. 183 Playas del Sol, 1.1 mile. Camping palapas. https://www.facebook.com/delsolsanfelipe/

Km. 184 Pemex gas station, west side.

Km. 184+ Campo El Pescador road.

Km. 185.5 Hotel Diamante on the west side of the highway (Single room 480 pesos).

The highway soon makes a long, sweeping curve to the east.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Puerticitos Hot Springs It is spelled Puertecitos. Here is what I have for that area:

Km. 74.5 Puertecitos paved entrance road.

0.2 mile to Octavio’s Playa Escondida driveway (additional 0.3 mile to the camp). Beach palapa camping.

0.7-mile Puertecitos Pemex gas station.
Go left just ahead by the restaurant. A charge of 200 pesos/vehicle is collected to enter Puertecitos property beyond here.

0.9 mile to the beach palapas. Palapa camping only, no cabins or rooms.

1.2 miles to the hot springs. The natural lava-rock bathing pools mix sea water with hot sulfur springs to determine bathing temperature. The pools can be too hot at low tide and completely underwater at high tide.

1.3 miles to a boat-launching ramp at the end of the road at the point.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As for the others, see my trip reports, but in short...

San Luis Gonzaga Bay... a great place, not tons there yet besides private homes and a gas station/ market. Papa Fernandez' has good food and beach camping over the hill. Alfonsina's has the bar and hotel. Camp Beluga has palapas for camping. El Sacrificio has cabins. Punta Final has a camping area. 5 miles north of Papa Fernandez' on the bay is Punta Bufeo, with a small motel and a mile north of it is La Poma with good food.

Cataviña is a unique area with the boulders and boojum trees... well all of central Baja really is!

El Rosario is farm town but with several good, casual eating places and perhaps the best motel in Baja (Baja Cactus, next to the Pemex station). There are many sites in the area, but without 4WD, it may not be wise to do too much sightseeing.

La Lobera... sea lions are not always there but the 'hole' (visible on Google Earth) is neat to see. My last time driving in the road was pretty rough and very dusty. The sea-culture facility that built the road and viewing area for the hole went out of business in 2015 so the road wasn't maintained after that.

Camalu is a farming center... I have not been to the coast directly west of there, but not far away, at San Jacinto (shipwreck and a few miles north to near Cuatro Casas).

Ensenada is a big city. I am not into cities.

I suggest north from Ensenada you take Hwy. 3 to Tecate and cross the border there!!! The drive is nice, free, and the smaller Tecate border is great if you cross back in the middle of the week (there are only 2 gates).


[Edited on 2-24-2018 by David K]

David K - 2-23-2018 at 03:05 PM

Quote: Originally posted by PaulW  
Luna,
You mentioned Playa Hawaii, Now days it is called "Pete's Camp, El Parisio". Most of the old maps and nearly all the device maps have it wrong.
Signs on the highway will guide you. Good camping on the beach if it is not a holiday or race weekend when it fills up. Hwy 5 Km 177.7


Of interest, Pete's El Paraiso and Campo Hawaii both are on the older maps and I remember them both being separate when driving by. According to the AAA map from the 70s, Campo Hawaii was 1.8 miles (3 kms.) south of Pete's Camp. That places it about where Campo Los Compadres is now.

PaulW - 2-23-2018 at 04:45 PM

Just sayin
When I use my Inreach map, Map.me, or SPOT and drive to Pete's the maps say Hawaii.
Maybe just sloppy mapping?
Anyway IMO, Pete's is the best of the bunch for camping.

David K - 2-23-2018 at 05:20 PM

Quote: Originally posted by PaulW  
Just sayin
When I use my Inreach map, Map.me, or SPOT and drive to Pete's the maps say Hawaii.
Maybe just sloppy mapping?
Anyway IMO, Pete's is the best of the bunch for camping.


Sloppy mapping.
They see a name close by on a government map and use it? Who knows? I do know they were two different camps and since the auto club has the distance between the driveways at 1.8 miles, I will say that Los Compadres is the new name for Campo Hawaii.

Here is Pete's Camp El Paraiso camping area on the beach (Km. 177.5):


Here is Los Compadres (guessing the former 'Campo Hawaii' at Km. 180+):


Both are about a mile from the highway.

Here is a third possibility, Playas del Sol (Km. 183).. up on a bluff...

Luna_tik - 2-23-2018 at 07:36 PM

Oh wow, so much good info, I'm going to have to go back to the drawing board a little as far as location planning is concerned- and that's a good thing! I was mostly going off of vague recommendations from friends who went years ago, or places that looked interesting on Google maps :D Thank you so much everybody!

Maderita, thank you for the info on insurance, and on Guadalupe Canyon Oasis - that definitely gets added to the list!

PaulW and David K, thanks for the info about Playa Hawaii/ Pete's Camp/ Campo Hawaii/ whatever else it may be called. This is the kind of thing I wasn't figuring out online, and will really help. The pictures are nice too; looks like just the sort of place I'd like to go!

David K, wow- that is a wealth of information there! I feel like I just got a preview of your guide for free.. I guess that means I'll have to buy it when it comes out! In the meantime, I'll be sure to check the links and your trip reports. Muchas gracias!

One other thing I meant to put in the OP but forgot; it's apparently whale watching season too. Are there any good places in these areas from which to spot them, or is it all luck?

Maderita - 2-23-2018 at 08:49 PM

Yes, still gray whale season in the lagoons of the central Pacific coast. Guerrero Negro has the most northerly. Afaik, you will need to sign on with a tour company to see the whales from pangas (small fishing boats). See Shari's posts on this site.

If you are in La Rumorosa, there is a brief side trip to Vallecitos native-american cave paintings. 1 mile off the toll hwy 2, graded dirt. Self-guided walking tour, 1 hour loop trail. Secure parking. Minimal cost.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Vallecito

BajaBlanca - 2-23-2018 at 08:52 PM

Can I just say that you have asked some really good questions.

I hope you have a blast!

Maderita - 2-23-2018 at 08:57 PM

See Shari's recent posts and photos of friendly encounters with whales:

http://forums.bajanomad.com/search.php?srchuname=shari&s...

http://www.whalemagictours.com/

wilderone - 2-23-2018 at 09:47 PM

Re: "check out Guadalupe"
On your return trip, instead of going through TJ/San Ysidro - which can be daunting and a very long border wait - take Mex. 3 through the Ruta de Vina and Guadalupe Valley (exit Tecate), passing many wineries, tasting rooms, restaurants. Also, not a toll road. Stop at a couple of the wineries. LA Cetto is a popular one, they have great olive oil there too. Across the street is Dona Lupe's. They have salsas, jams, wines too of course.
Re: "Mexican Authorities generally ok with car camping on public land or no?" they don't care - you'll be out of sight, remember? Also they hang out in town and cruise the highways- they won't be where you are. The thing with boondocking is access - you'll see a little road going ... where? Maybe it's going to someone's ranch, or it gets very sandy and there's no place to turn around. I've found a nice little spot, and a rancher comes driving up - I'm on his property. "Can I stay?" Of course. So nice. Camp free at El Marmol, Mision San Fernando, Punta Baja - way at the end. Don't boondock anywhere between El Rosario and San Quintin. A few campgrounds around San Quintin - I like the few spots in front of Cielito Lindo hotel/restaurant (recent thread on this). There are so many campgrounds south of San Felipe - might as well use them for the bathrooms, beachside locale.
You'll have a wonderful time. Via con dios.

micah202 - 2-24-2018 at 01:30 AM

...I highly recommend the hotsprings just north of Maneandro, not far north for the turnoff to La Buffadora.
Find deets on.... 'the hotsprings thread'. <;~]

David K - 2-24-2018 at 10:37 AM

Quote: Originally posted by micah202  
...I highly recommend the hotsprings just north of Maneandro, not far north for the turnoff to La Buffadora.
Find deets on.... 'the hotsprings thread'. <;~]


Those are called San Carlos Hot Springs.

HeyMulegeScott - 2-24-2018 at 11:00 AM

Some great feedback in this thread. I wouldn't go through Algodones. We were just there yesterday getting our FMM. It's a zoo (mainly a gringo zoo) with narrow streets. We talked to a European guy with a really cool looking 4x4 camper who said they were making him go back to the US because it was too big to fit in the streets. We did Mexicali East last year and it was fairly easy to find Hwy 5.

AKgringo - 2-24-2018 at 12:54 PM

Another option is crossing at San Luis, just south of Yuma. It was discussed recently here;
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=89485

Luna_tik - 2-25-2018 at 09:53 PM

I'm floored by the friendly welcome, and generosity of info sharing I've found here. If this is indicative of the Baja vibe, I'm going to absolutely love it there!

Maderita, gracias otra vez for good info, particularly on the whale watching.

BajaBlanca, I like to think I do a good job of preparing before exploration. Thank you for the vote of confidence!

Wilderone, thank you so much for the boondocking advice!

Micah202, I have been following the hotsprings thread with interest, thank you!

Three2tango, I hear ya on that. Not going through Los Algodones for cultural or sight seeing reasons, just because that's where I have a dental appointment. Onward towards more fun things from there!

One thing I just realized today; apparently I've accidentally timed this trip to coincide with Semana Santa. How much more crowded should I expect the beaches and hot springs to be?

kevin_in_idaho - 2-26-2018 at 06:23 AM

First time is always the 'scariest" but it's really pretty easy. If you have fun at checkpoints and just do what they ask, you'll be fine. Intimiating the first time you see kids with guns stopping you. Normally they look in your cooler, ask if you have any guns or ammo. They might take a few beers if they see them.

Coming back North, you might head through the wine country up from Ensenada and miss the TJ hassle. Good wine, good prices there too!

Gas is plentiful and if you aren't going off road far and keep track of your range, you don't really need to carry anymore. Don't fill up your extra cans on the US side though. They may not let you in with them filled. Just fill them up in Baja. Get gas when you can or are about half full but again there are so many stations down there. Make sure they zero out the pump before pumping. You could put a locked gas cap on so they don't start pumping before you get out of the truck and check. Get local currency too. ATMs are around.

Have fun.

PaulW - 2-26-2018 at 08:48 AM

David did you ask the caretaker at El Pescador if camping is still allowed in the beach area? Its been to many years since I have been there so I do not have an update.
Also the other Playa Grande at km 183.4 and is not accessible any more. I mention that because there are two of them.
==========
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Hi Luna-tik,
Welcome to Nomad!

Everything seems to work out in Baja so try not to stress.

My first time driving myself was when I was 16, in 1974 and haven't stopped since! I have never been robbed or hassled (much). Camping is my main thing but there are a few choice motels for clean up or when it isn't convenient to set up a tent.

As TMW posted, I did 7 trips in 2017 to try and cover as much of Baja's best for a new Guide. The trip reports are in the Nomad Trip Reports forum and numbered TRIP # 1-7, plus a family camping trip to Shell Island on Memorial Day. Shell Island is a beautiful barrier island beach, but requires 4WD (and low tide) to get to!

My 2018 maps of Baja (for the future guide) are posted in the Nomad Road Conditions forum. They are designed to illustrate places and roads mentioned in the guide.

That all being said, you are getting good advice here. It does sound like you have been working on a route. Here are my comments on the first couple places you mentioned, for what that's worth:

Playa Hawaii. I think is an old name and is now Los Compadres?

The campos that are primarily for camping, north of San Felipe, are mentioned in my guide (along with gas stations, a restaurant, and motels:

Km. 171.5 Villas Cortez, 2.4 miles. Camping, pool, and palapas. No vehicle parking near the palapas.

Km. 173.5 Playa Grande, 1.9 miles. Palapa camping.

Km. 177.5 Pete’s Camp El Paraiso, 1 mile to the restaurant and 1.1 miles to the beach with palapa camping. http://petescamp.com/

Km. 178.5+ Pemex gas station, west side.

Km. 179 Playa del Oro, a private home development. The Road Runner Restaurant and Deli is at the entrance, excellent food.

Km. 180+ Campo Los Compadres, 0.9 mile. Palapa camping. https://www.facebook.com/Campo-los-Compadres-136752236414823...

Km. 181 Colonia Morelia road (signed 60 kms.). New paved surface ends soon on this road west to Valle Chico and Diablo Dry Lake.

Km. 181.5+ Pai Pai Campo, 0.9 mile. Beach and camping, no palapas or services.

Km. 182 Hotel Sky Blue on the west side of the highway.

Km. 183 Playas del Sol, 1.1 mile. Camping palapas. https://www.facebook.com/delsolsanfelipe/

Km. 184 Pemex gas station, west side.

Km. 184+ Campo El Pescador road.

Km. 185.5 Hotel Diamante on the west side of the highway (Single room 480 pesos).

The highway soon makes a long, sweeping curve to the east.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Puerticitos Hot Springs It is spelled Puertecitos. Here is what I have for that area:

Km. 74.5 Puertecitos paved entrance road.

0.2 mile to Octavio’s Playa Escondida driveway (additional 0.3 mile to the camp). Beach palapa camping.

0.7-mile Puertecitos Pemex gas station.
Go left just ahead by the restaurant. A charge of 200 pesos/vehicle is collected to enter Puertecitos property beyond here.

0.9 mile to the beach palapas. Palapa camping only, no cabins or rooms.

1.2 miles to the hot springs. The natural lava-rock bathing pools mix sea water with hot sulfur springs to determine bathing temperature. The pools can be too hot at low tide and completely underwater at high tide.

1.3 miles to a boat-launching ramp at the end of the road at the point.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As for the others, see my trip reports, but in short...

San Luis Gonzaga Bay... a great place, not tons there yet besides private homes and a gas station/ market. Papa Fernandez' has good food and beach camping over the hill. Alfonsina's has the bar and hotel. Camp Beluga has palapas for camping. El Sacrificio has cabins. Punta Final has a camping area. 5 miles north of Papa Fernandez' on the bay is Punta Bufeo, with a small motel and a mile north of it is La Poma with good food.

Cataviña is a unique area with the boulders and boojum trees... well all of central Baja really is!

El Rosario is farm town but with several good, casual eating places and perhaps the best motel in Baja (Baja Cactus, next to the Pemex station). There are many sites in the area, but without 4WD, it may not be wise to do too much sightseeing.

La Lobera... sea lions are not always there but the 'hole' (visible on Google Earth) is neat to see. My last time driving in the road was pretty rough and very dusty. The sea-culture facility that built the road and viewing area for the hole went out of business in 2015 so the road wasn't maintained after that.

Camalu is a farming center... I have not been to the coast directly west of there, but not far away, at San Jacinto (shipwreck and a few miles north to near Cuatro Casas).

Ensenada is a big city. I am not into cities.

I suggest north from Ensenada you take Hwy. 3 to Tecate and cross the border there!!! The drive is nice, free, and the smaller Tecate border is great if you cross back in the middle of the week (there are only 2 gates).


[Edited on 2-24-2018 by David K]

David K - 2-26-2018 at 09:10 AM

Hi Paul,
Notice that I simply labeled Km. 184+ as "Campo El Pescador Road" as there was a chain crossed it and when I parked there to take notes, nobody appeared from the nearby trailer.
On future trips, I can add to the road guide database for future editions or live online updates.
There are some other campos just north of San Felipe in addition to that one that I would like to check out.

The three primary camping campos north of town are on my San Felipe Area map:



[Edited on 2-26-2018 by David K]

PaulW - 2-26-2018 at 09:19 AM

David, I have been slowly logging the campos and other beach places. I will update you after a few more trips. Like you do it takes time to log the Km and coords and drive to the beach when possible. One of the issues is finding some one to tell me the place names - Ha.
Lots of privately owned parcels that all have roads to the beach area.

David K - 2-26-2018 at 09:30 AM

Quote: Originally posted by PaulW  
David, I have been slowly logging the campos and other beach places. I will update you after a few more trips. Like you do it takes time to log the Km and coords and drive to the beach when possible. One of the issues is finding some one to tell me the place names - Ha.
Lots of privately owned parcels that all have roads to the beach area.


Yes, it is a fun job but often needs more than a single trip to get all the data. I need to drive north from downtown to the old camps past the ice plant where they slid blocks into the shrimp boats at high tide (is that still an ice plant?). Then beyond to the former Ensenada Blanco (now Cantu's Cove). Somebody just did a post on it: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=89136

wilderone - 2-26-2018 at 09:38 AM

"Semana Santa. How much more crowded should I expect the beaches and hot springs to be?"
Some places like Conception Bay will be 3 rows deep. San Carlos hotsprings will probably be crowded, but OK if you just want to stay a couple hours and not overnight there.